EVERTON are preparing a summer move for contract rebel Jack Colback - if Sunderland lose their battle against the drop.

Homegrown midfielder Colback turned down a new deal in the summer and is out of contract at the end of the season, when he will be eligible to leave for nothing on a Bosman free transfer.

With Sunderland’s Premier League future hanging in the balance, it is no surprise Colback is playing a waiting game rather than committing himself to the Wearsiders.

The 24-year-old said this week that he does not expect to leave during the January transfer window.

However, Everton boss Roberto Martinez is a big admirer of the versatile academy product, who is comfortable both at left-back as well as in central midfield.

With the Toffeemen bracing themselves for another attempt from their former boss David Moyes to lure England left-back Leighton Baines to Manchester United, a move for Colback would make sense for the Merseysiders.

Sunderland would be loathe to lose Colback and Gus Poyet would like to keep him regardless of which division the Black Cats are playing in next season.

However, Colback holds all the aces and will not be short of offers in the summer if Sunderland do end up in the Championship.

Swansea City and West Bromwich Albion are among the other sides to have shown interest, although a move to a side with European aspirations such as Everton would hold more appeal for the Tynesider.